The back squat and the mechanics are a highly debated topic for Weightlifters. The name of the game is to focus on what movements will translate best for the lifts (Snatch, Clean & Jerk), right?
Take for example the back squat (Rippetoe Style Hip Drive):
This may get your overall back squat weight up, but does it translate to the lifts?
My thoughts:
It could, for a low level lifter, as general strength encompasses a big area of the pie for those guys. But for a more advanced lifter, I would argue that there is a ceiling to this, these guys will need to focus on specific movements that will have higher carry over to the lifts. Because of this, I have my lifters focus on a upright torso from the get go, in hope that this squat positioning will have a direct carry over.
Which is THE Right Way?
It’s hard to say, it’ll depend on what your coach’s philosophy is. Some believe the hip drive with the back squat generates more over all strength, while the front squat & over head squat are more general specific movements. Others believe that your squat movements should all be in an upright positioning.
In the end it’ll solely up to you and your coach, as long as you’re improving in your lifts, you should be fine.